Businesses scoop regional plaudits

A building company and a bookshop stole the show for Broome at the recent Department of Regional Development and Lands Regional Achievement and Community Awards.

Around 400 regional business people and honourable guests witnessed the awards presentation on Friday, November 11, in Perth.

Innovative builder Australian Eco Constructions won the Business Enterprise Award as well as being named the State winner of the overall Regional Achievement and Community Award.

Australian Eco Constructions owner Karl Plunkett, who was awarded the overall award by Minister for Regional Development Brendon Grylls, said he was very humbled in the presence of so many wonderful people making a difference to living in regional WA.

His company, which through its building designs aims to make living and working in the North West more comfortable and sustainable, was also a semifinalist in the sustainability award. Australian Eco Constructions also aims to foster social, cultural and economic sustainability through partnerships with Aboriginal traditional owners so they can share in economic opportunities in land development and construction on their traditional lands.

One of these partnerships is between Eco and the Bunuba people of Fitzroy Crossing, who have formed Muway Constructions, in a bid to build a sustainable community and environment, by nurturing qualified indigenous tradespeople who best understand the region’s unique building needs. Once qualified, these operators, with occupational health and safety training skills, are able to help sustain their communities.

Muway Constructions was nominated and given a special mention in the indigenous service category of the Regional Achievement and Community Awards.

Meanwhile, indigenous publishing house, Magabala Books has finished a stellar year by landing the Indigenous Service Award.

Magabala chief executive Suzie Haslehurst, who accepted the award, thanked the organisation’s board and staff, and said the award was a clear reflection of how hard they all worked for its success. She also thanked supporters and collaborators for their support since Magabala was incorporated in 1990.

Ms Haslehurst said while Magabala had collected many awards this year for particular projects, it could be particularly proud of this one.